A Spanish 3D Print Service

We've learned of a 3D print service based in Spain: Fabber.cc. This service provides basic 3D printing services, providing prints in ABS or PLA plastic. 

 

The service doesn't have an interactive pricing mechanism, but you can send in your 3D model and receive a quote for the work. 

 

This service seems to follow a pattern we've seen lately: small regional 3D print services and very large international services. We're not sure how the small services will survive when competing with the Big Guys, but perhaps it's because of their ability to fit into niche cultural and linguistic markets. 

 

Via Fabber.cc (en español / en français)

Ultra-Lab Sells MakerBots

We've just discovered that MakerBot has yet another reseller, this time in Spain. Ultra-Lab sells the full line of MakerBot devices, including the Replicator Dual Extruder, Replicator 2 and the latest model, the Replicator 2X. 

 

In addition to MakerBot products, we understand that Ultra-Lab also sells plastic filament for the printers, electronics kits, e-textiles, games, components and related items. 

 

Via Ultra-Lab (en español)

Der Spiegel on 3D Printing

We've previously seen such mainstream publications as The Economist, Forbes and The Atlantic bring 3D printing to the attention of their readers. Now Der Spiegel has done the same with a new article providing an overview of the 3D printing space. 

 

As one might expect, Der Spiegel provides focus on several German 3D printing companies, notably EOS and Concept Laser, both of which we visited at the recent Euromold show in Frankfurt. 

Der Spiegel proposes dramatic improvements in manufacturing from 3D printing, as "Considerably fewer production steps, fewer tools needed and lower materials costs all spell enormous cost savings". Most importantly, they say: 

 

Companies will no longer be tied to the economies of scale that make mass production necessary for reducing costs. Even small production batches can be profitable. More innovative products can be brought onto the market, since this method makes it easy to try out new ideas cheaply.

 

That's why we're so interested in 3D printing: Innovation will be unleashed. 

 

Via Der Spiegel (in English)

Attending Euromold?

Are you visiting Euromold this week? We are! Euromold is the "World Fair for Moldmaking and Tooling, Design and Application Development", where we're likely to see the announcement of several new 3D printers from major manufacturers. 

 

If you're in Frankfurt and would like to show us something interesting or have a chat, feel free to give us a shout at info@fabbaloo.com or on Twitter via @fabbaloo. 

 

See you there!

 

Via Euromold

UK to Invest an Additional £7 million in A.M.

On the heels of a story we reported last week, the Technology Strategy Board, an advisory group to the UK’s Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, has announced it will invest £7 million to help spur innovation in additive manufacturing.

 

MP David Willet’s had this to say about the program, “3D printing technologies offer huge potential for UK businesses to compete successfully by embracing radically different manufacturing techniques that could be applied across a wide variety of global market sectors, from aerospace to jewellery.”

 

Read More at Engineering.com

MakerBot Expands Retail Presence in Europe

Shortly after opening its own dedicated retail shop in New York, MakerBot announced it's pursuing retail arrangements in France. They've partnered with le FabShop to resell all current MakerBot products, including their most recent device, the Replicator 2. 

 

Le FabShop, a French makerspace based in Brittany, does not have a physical retail store, but instead will sell MakerBot equipment through their online shop, le FabStore. Their intent is to resell MakerBots throughout France from their location some four hours west of Paris. 

 

Prices seem to be slightly higher than buying directly from MakerBot, but shipping (at least to France) would obviously be somewhat cheaper. 

 

Does this indicate a new strategy for MakerBot? It's an extension; MakerBot has previously experimented with resellers in the NYC area, but this is a bit farther away. Local resellers are a relatively quick method for a manufacturer to extend its presence. We suspect we might see more resellers appearing in more countries soon, particularly if le FabShop is successful. 

 

Via le FabShop (en français)

A Swiss 3D Printer Seller

We just noticed a business selling 3D printers in Switzerland. Zurich-based 3D-Model (German: 3D Drucker kaufen) appears to resell a variety of 3D Systems gear, including not only the large commercial units such as the Projet, but also 3D Systems' personal 3D printer line, Bits From Bytes. 

 

The company also offers 3D print services, presumably either using their own gear or subbing it out to one of 3D Systems' numerous printing installations. 

 

If you're located in Switzerland you might want to check them out. 

 

Via 3D-Model

3D Printing Event Next Week

Don't forget to attend the 3D Printing Event in Eindhoven, Netherlands next week if you happen to be nearby. The event now includes over 30 speakers, including representatives from a wide variety of 3D print-related companies, including: Ultimaker, GrabCAD, Shapeways, Makielab, Protospace, DUS Architects, University Medical Center Utrecht, Loughborough Design School, Stone Spray, Faberdashery and many others. A small set of exhibitors will show of their products during the event. 

 

A design competition should also prove interesting, as the challenge invites designers to "Design the first consumer product you would like to 3D print and use." Winning criteria includes "Degree of innovation, Functionality and Usefulness, 3D printablity, Aesthetic quality, Ergonomics, Marketability, Feasibility, Quality and clarity of presentation materials." Prizes include a Creatr 3D Printer (1st), a David 3D Laserscanner (2nd) and a Shapeways 3D print of the model.

 

This one-day event costs €95 (USD$122) to attend and takes place on October 23 at Seats2Meet at Strijp S, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. 

 

Via 3D Printing Event